Sustainable, recycled or second hand, furniture with a conscience holds a little piece of history

Of course, it would be wonderful if we all furnished our houses with reclaimed stuff. Today, many cities and towns now have small outlets that specialise in retro or second-hand furniture. However, some people prefer to buy new and, those specialist shops aside, ‘second hand’ can be a euphemism for hideous. If buying new, try to get wood furniture from sustainable sources – either locally made or carrying the logo of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This is preferable to that made from non-renewable materials such as steel, PVC and plastic.

PROS

• It’s easy-to-find quality second-hand furniture and that made from FSC wood.

CONS

• Some reclaimed furniture is awful and you could be wasting your time trailing through the small ads in local papers.

• You pay for the privilege.

Useful Contacts

Friends of the Earth Good Wood Guide: www.foe.co.uk
Green furniture makers can be found at: www.aecb.net
Living Concepts: www.livingconcepts.co.uk
Benchmark Furniture: www.benchmark-furniture.com

Image: One Eco Home